Latham & Watkins LLP

Consulting a varied roster of sports bodies, leagues, governing bodies, federations, teams, and media companies, as well as private equity firms, Latham & Watkins LLP particularly stands out for high-profile antitrust and other litigation for sports governing bodies. The group continues to represent US soccer in a high profile antitrust action brought by the North American Soccer League (NASL), demonstrating its strength in this area of sports law litigation. The group also excels in large M&A deals in the sports industry, particularly in private equity investments of sports teams, and asset acquisitions for portfolio companies. Notably, the group was involved in high value, majority stake acquisitions of Premier League clubs or NBA franchises in 2024. Century City-based Adam J. Sullins heads up the team, alongside Frank Saviano in New York and Chris Yates in San Francisco, who are well supported by Justin Hamill in New York, a key name for large scale mergers and acquisitions in sport. At associate level, Adam Rosenthal is a key name in the group, and can be highlighted for his experience in sports league governance and rules. Kendall Johnson is notable for media rights deals.